Obituary of Sheila Ann Tomkins

Sheila Ann Tomkins, a homemaker, beloved mother, grandmother, and 54 year resident of Burlington passed away peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Monday morning, February 15, 2016. She was 79 years old. Sheila was born in Woburn, the daughter of the late James and Madeline Doherty. She grew up in Woburn and was a graduate of St. Charles High School. After high school and before becoming a mother, Sheila worked at New England Telephone as an operator. She moved to Burlington in 1962 and devoted herself to raising her four children. Being a mother and later a grandmother, meant the world to her. Her happiest of days were to be surrounded by her family and friends, bringing her laughter and joy. She built a home that was a loving and warm environment. She welcomed anyone that came to visit with open arms and a caring smile. She was always there for her family when they were young and as adults. She would be cheering her children and grandchildren on during sporting events and activities. She was the voice of compassion, understanding, encouragement, reason, and love. She was blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, whom she adored. She was always there to care for her grandchildren and she cherished every moment and memory that was created during her time spent with them. She helped at Wildwood School as a recess monitor when her children were in school. She had many friends and neighbors whom she enjoyed sharing time with and loved nights spent with her Bingo girlfriends. She would never show up to a celebration without a full tin of Nana Cookies for all to enjoy. She had a great sense of humor and knew exactly when to lighten a moment. For Sheila, her legacy will be her family. Sheila was the loving mother of Regina Wilson & her husband Leo of Burlington, Karen Hayes & her husband Francis of Billerica, Robert Tomkins & his wife Maureen of Burlington, and Melissa Robichaud & her husband David of Billerica. Sister of James Doherty of Woburn, Thomas Doherty of Revere & Noel Doherty of Woburn. Proud grandmother of Erica Fitzgerald & her husband Sean, Erin Sousa & her husband Jeffrey, Dereck Hayes, Sean Hayes, Robert Tomkins, Jr. and girlfriend Tracey Kelley, Stuart Tomkins, and Tayla Robichaud. Step-grandmother to Keri Harbour and husband Rob, Elizabeth Glynn, Anna & Laura Robichaud. She was also the great grandmother of Caitlin and Jack Sousa. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side). A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 18th, from 4-8 p.m. A small service will be on Friday, February 19th, at 11 a.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn and will take place immediately following the services. Relatives & friends respectively invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a cause special to Sheila. The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15239, www.umdf.org.